Chicken Keeps Falling Over? Causes, Solutions, and How to Help Your Bird Recover

If you’ve noticed one of your chickens falling over, staggering, or unable to stand properly, it’s a concerning sight—and it’s not something to ignore. Chickens are hardy animals, but when balance and posture are affected, it’s often a sign of something deeper. Whether it’s a simple nutritional deficiency or a serious illness like Marek’s disease, understanding the possible causes is the first step to helping your bird recover.

Why Is My Chicken Falling Over?

If your chicken keeps falling over, it’s likely suffering from a neurological issue, vitamin deficiency, inner ear problem, or viral disease. Less commonly, trauma or toxins could also be the cause. Identifying the root problem quickly is critical to prevent further damage or loss.

Most Common Causes of Chickens Falling Over:

• Marek’s Disease (viral, neurological)
• Vitamin B deficiency (particularly thiamine or riboflavin)
• Wry Neck or torticollis
• Ear infections or ear mites
• Head or spine trauma
• Toxins or moldy feed
• Botulism or other bacterial toxins

Each of these conditions requires different treatment approaches, so let’s look at each in more detail.

1. Marek’s Disease: A Leading Cause of Paralysis

Marek’s disease is a common and highly contagious viral illness in chickens that often affects the nervous system. One of the hallmark symptoms is sudden leg paralysis or birds falling over as they try to walk.

Symptoms of Marek’s Disease:

• Legs stretched out in opposite directions
• One wing drooping or paralyzed
• Weight loss despite eating
• Difficulty standing or walking

Sadly, there is no cure for Marek’s once a bird is symptomatic. However, vaccinating day-old chicks and maintaining strict biosecurity can prevent outbreaks.

2. Vitamin Deficiency (Especially B Vitamins)

A lack of essential vitamins—especially **thiamine (B1)** and **riboflavin (B2)**—can cause nervous system dysfunction, muscle weakness, and balance issues.

Signs of B Vitamin Deficiency:

• Wobbly walking or falling over
• Curled toes (in chicks)
• Neck twisting or “star gazing”
• Lethargy or uncoordinated movements

Solution:

• Start a poultry-safe vitamin supplement (especially B-complex)
• Offer foods like scrambled eggs, nutritional yeast, and leafy greens
• Isolate and assist in feeding if necessary

Many birds make a full recovery within a few days to a week if caught early.

3. Wry Neck (Torticollis)

Wry neck is a condition where a bird’s head twists unnaturally, often leading to disorientation, falling over, or walking in circles. It can be caused by vitamin E deficiency, head trauma, or neurological disease.

Symptoms of Wry Neck:

• Head tilted or twisted backwards
• Difficulty walking or standing
• Falling over repeatedly

Treatment:

• Vitamin E and selenium supplementation
• Hand feeding and physical support
• Keep in a calm, quiet area away from flock aggression

Recovery time varies but can take 1–3 weeks. Chicks and young birds respond better to treatment than older birds.

4. Inner Ear Infections or Mites

Just like in humans, ear issues can throw off a chicken’s balance. If your chicken tilts its head, spins in circles, or leans to one side, an inner ear infection or mite infestation may be to blame.

Signs of Inner Ear Problems:

• Head tilting or shaking
• Circling behavior
• Falling to one side
• Scratching at ears or head

What to Do:

• Inspect ears for mites, swelling, or discharge
• Administer poultry-safe antibiotic drops or consult an avian vet
• Isolate and support during treatment

With prompt treatment, most birds recover in a few days to a week.

5. Trauma or Head Injury

A chicken that’s been pecked hard, dropped, or attacked may suffer from spinal trauma or brain swelling. This can lead to staggering, falling over, or paralysis.

How to Tell:

• Falling or rolling after a known injury
• Sudden loss of balance
• Favoring one leg or side

First Aid for Injured Chickens:

• Separate immediately to prevent further pecking
• Keep warm and quiet to reduce shock
• Offer food and water via dropper if needed
• Use natural anti-inflammatories like turmeric or arnica (consult dosage)

Severe trauma may require veterinary intervention. However, mild injuries often heal with rest and supportive care.

6. Mold, Toxins, or Poisoning

Moldy feed, toxic plants, or spoiled scraps can lead to neurological symptoms—including falling over, tremors, and paralysis.

Watch for:

• Sudden onset of symptoms in multiple birds
• Greenish diarrhea or vomiting
• Unusual tremors or convulsions

What to Do:

• Remove and discard all suspect feed or water
• Provide activated charcoal (with vet guidance)
• Flush system with electrolyte or probiotic solution

Time is of the essence. If multiple birds show symptoms, contact a vet or poultry expert immediately.

When to Quarantine a Falling Chicken

Isolating a sick bird isn’t cruel—it’s protective. Many conditions that cause imbalance can be contagious or draw unwanted pecking attention from other flock members.

Quarantine Guidelines:

• Provide a warm, soft, enclosed area away from noise and drafts
• Use towels or rubber mats to prevent further injury from falling
• Offer food and water at beak level
• Observe closely for signs of improvement or decline

Some birds recover fully in isolation, while others may need long-term care or humane euthanasia if quality of life is compromised.

Want Natural Remedies to Support Your Chicken’s Recovery?

1. Support Immune Health, Mobility, and Stress with Herbal Remedies

Get The Doctor’s Book of Survival Home Remedies to learn how to treat poultry illnesses, vitamin deficiencies, wounds, and neurological symptoms using natural and backyard-ready solutions like garlic, turmeric, comfrey, and elderberry.

2. Build Custom Isolation Pens, Mobile Coops, and Rehab Spaces

Download the DIY Woodworking and Survival Guide for blueprints on predator-proof coops, safe chicken hospitals, healing stations, and ergonomic feeders—no contractor or experience required.

Conclusion: Don’t Ignore the Signs—Act Early

When a chicken keeps falling over, it’s a red flag that something is seriously wrong. Whether it’s Marek’s disease, a nutritional gap, or a simple ear infection, early action often means the difference between recovery and heartbreak. Watch your birds closely, isolate when needed, and treat symptoms with care and clarity.

Be the keeper your flock needs:

• Download The Doctor’s Book of Survival Home Remedies to build your backyard poultry medicine cabinet
• Start building smarter, safer poultry solutions today with DIY plans made for homesteaders

Knowledge is power—and it just might save your chicken’s life.